Selection of CTV-tolerant citrus hybrids for ornamental use

Introduction. Ornamental citrus is well established in Europe and North America, but is still incipient in Brazil, despite the fact that the country is among the world’s leading citrus fruit producers. However, the potential for innovation in this agribusiness segment is increasingly recognized. The Citrus Breeding Program of Embrapa Cassava & Fruits, among other objectives, aims to create plants suitable for ornamental use. Materials and methods. Ten hybrids were characterized by application of 39 morphological descriptors to identify their ornamental potential and to classify them in use categories. Additionally, these hybrids were evaluated regarding their susceptibility to the citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Results and discussion. The hybrids [(RPL x YMCT-005) × MCP-011], [(RPL × YMCT-005) × MCP-015], [GLINL × MCP-002], [GLINL × FTNL-001], [RPL × MCSH-002] and [CSM × MCP-002] can be recommended for use as potted plants, minifruit, landscaping and hedges; [(RPL × YMCT-005) × MCP-016], [CSM × MCP-003] are suitable as potted plants, landscaping and hedges; [(RPL × YMCT-005) × SMM-014] fits in the potted plant, landscaping and ornamental minifruit; and [(RPL × YMCT-005) × GLINL-001] is suitable for use as potted plants and in landscaping. According to the results on the reaction to the CVT pathogen, four hybrids were classified as resistant, four were classified as highly tolerant and two were classified as highly intolerant, indicating the need for their protection with weak CTV strains. Conclusion. The hybrids evaluated presented substantial morphological variability that distinguished them from each other. Their traits qualify them for use as ornamental plants.